Ex Judas Priest axeman K.K. Downing has officially announced the launch of a new rock venue in Wolverhampton.

The brainchild of the legendary guitarist, K.K.’s Steel Mill is housed in Starworks Warehouse on Frederick Street in Wolverhampton and will showcase the finest up-and-coming and established rock and metal bands around.

A newly launched website – kkssteelmill.co.uk – explains the venue’s ethos: ‘Judas Priest’s founder member and former guitarist K.K. Downing is the host of the hottest rock and metal experience around. Housed in Starworks Warehouse, a unique historic setting in the city of Wolverhampton.

‘K.K.’s Steel Mill will bring the rock and metal fans a cool vibrant new way to watch their favourite bands and artists. From touring bands to one off exclusives, million selling international groups to local up and coming talent, our aim is to put on the most amazing shows.’

The first booking K.K. has made is Skid Row who take to the venue on Friday 24th August 2018. Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.

In a statement on his official website, K.K. wrote: "It's with great pleasure and excitement I can confirm another new chapter in my lifelong musical journey, however this time on the other side of the crowd barriers.

"As many fans may have already seen, I will be hosting live rock and metal shows at an exciting new venue close to home in Wolverhampton, based in the heart of the Midlands… 'The Home Of Metal.'

"Last year, I was asked to visit this venue by a good friend, and together we agreed it would make an amazing place for fans to see top bands and artists close up in unique surroundings.

"The city of Wolverhampton itself and the Midlands in general has a great live music scene, with many new bands now making the breakthrough, not to mention the Old Guard of Legends still at the forefront driving the way.

"K.K.'s Steel Mill is very happy to have found its home at Starworks Warehouse. The historic building was the birthplace of The Star Motor Car Company around the early 1900s, and the building in its current format has kept that raw industrial feel.

"We aim to put on regular headlining shows throughout the year, and I am thrilled to announce for starters I will host American rockers Skid Row on Friday the 24th of August when Snake, Rachel, Scotti, Rob and ZP bring their hard-hitting show to the Steel Mill.

"I'm looking forward to seeing many fans at the upcoming shows enjoy the music! I'll probably see you at the bar."

In February of this year he released a statement on Facebook saying he was “shocked and stunned” that he wasn’t invited to rejoin Judas Priest when Glenn Tipton announced his retirement from touring due to the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.